JOHANNESBURG - South Africa’s consumer mood has brightened just in time for the festive season.
The FNB-BER Consumer Confidence Index has rebounded to -9 in the fourth quarter.
It's the highest level recorded in 2025, after a sharp dip earlier in the year.
Retail sales have already grown by nearly 4 percent year-on-year.
The latest improvement in sentiment suggests shoppers are ready to keep spending through the holidays.
Confidence in buying durable goods hit its strongest level in more than six years, helped by lower interest rates, a firmer rand and easing inflation.
Economists say job gains, cheaper fuel and South Africa’s recent credit rating upgrade have also buoyed consumers.